From Summer Sun to Winter Wonderland
Beach, Barb-ques and summer activities are synonymous with a Kiwi Christmas. But Christmas in other parts of the world means snow. So, having never experienced a white Christmas we went in search of one.
We picked Sweden as our destination then it was mission on to find somewhere that had snow. We settled on Östersund for a white Christmas experience.
So December 18th 2017, saw us flying to Stockholm. From there we drove north (Östersund is a six hour drive from Stockholm). Our excitement grew the further north we went, with the increasing amount of snow that we encountered. Though our traveling was a little fraught at one point. Google sent us on some road that didn’t appear to get much traffic. The road certainly wasn’t graded and may have been quicker in summer but the depth of the snow was a little off putting.
One thing we needed to keep in mind that daylight doesn’t last long in winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Sunrise was about 10am with sunset at 2pm.
Namn
We found a wonderful place to stay via Airbnb in a little place called Namn. A guest house with views across Lake Storsjön looking towards Östersund. It was nearly a scene out of the Nativity story, with our accommodation in the loft of a barn. However it was horses in the stable below not baby Jesus.
Our hosts provided us with a tree to decorate. So with a roast lamb for our meal, and snow filled vistas, it truly was a memorable white Christmas.
A relaxing holiday
The holiday was a time to relax as a family, yes the kids came too (adults). It was fun walking along the plowed roads and footpaths. Taking care not to step off the plowed area or you would be in snow up to your armpits.
Building a snowman, sledding and visiting Östersund were some of the highlights. As was having dinner out at one of the local restaurants. Since the lake hadn’t fully frozen over some activities like snowmobiling were off the schedule, next time!
Snow, Snow and more Snow
We had definitely picked the right place for our white Christmas. Lots and lots of snow with lots of fun. Fantastic accommodation and a great area to explore. Hoping to get back one day to see those Northern Lights
Giveaway
In the spirit of the season I’m giving away a set of my cards. Check out the entry form below
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What an awesome Christmas. I’d love to experience a white Christmas!
It was a long time coming for us, so hopefully you will one day.
I spent the days just before Christmas in Europe back in 2011 and it was pretty magical – especially the Christmas markets 🙂
It is pretty magical. I hope to go again one day. Maybe somewhere else
It sounds wonderful and to find a perfect place for a white Christmas has to be on my list too.
There wasnt an ounce of snow in Stockholm, there had been snow but it all had melted away.
I have never had a white Christmas – but my plans are to totally indulge in this once my kids leave home!
Sounds like a great plan
I come from a white Xmas country. It so doesn’t feel like Xmas here with the heat
It must be a little strange, thats for sure
I’ve never had a white Christmas. I’ve always been at home in NZ.
Up until 2017 it was the same for us
Such beautiful photos!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting, much appreciated.